As a new school year begins many of us are preparing the classroom for the first day!  It is important to set up the physical aspects of the learning space, but there should also be an intentional preparation of what is to happen in that environment every day.  The following are a few things I try to keep in mind as I work with my students to create a productive learning environment.

• Introduce the basics to the children.
  • We only take what we have been shown.
  • We put it back where we found it and how we found it.
  • We never interrupt another person’s work.
• Find out what each child is truly interested in and show work from that area!  Adhering to this fundamental Montessori philosophy will have the children engaged rather than wandering.
• Jot down quick notes of what interests each child then plan presentations accordingly.
• Resist giving “busy” coloring worksheets rather create experiences with the concrete materials.
• Create an Art shelf and a curriculum.  Art should be a choice just like all areas of the classroom.  Art is very calming to a child who is having a difficult day.  It assists the child in developing attention span and hand and eye coordination.
• Every classroom should have a quiet and peaceful area for the children to enjoy a book!  A beautiful reading corner that has perhaps a small lounge or rocking chair, lamp, end table, books, a plant and some framed art work.  Make it look like home!
• Deal with children who have difficult behaviors first!  Get these children engaged in a work to eliminate any disruptions for other working students.
• Devise a method where children can seek your assistance without interrupting the entire class and then adhere to that method.  (a helping chair to sit at or raise their hand or come and stand by you)
• Remember the basics such as:  Never talk across the room, speak in a low quiet voice almost a whisper, never interrupt a child while they are working, walk quietly and never hurried.
• Children are watching you!  They will mimic your speech, movements and manners!  What are the children learning from your mannerisms and speech?
• Remember the golden rule:  Treat children as you would like to be treated!
• Eliminate the words, “Stop, Don’t, Quit.”  Tell a child what they CAN do rather than what they CAN’T do!  (This is easier said than done.)

Maria Montessori said, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher…is to be able to say, the children are now working as if I did not exist.”

That is a dream that can be realized with consistency and intentional adhering to basic classroom management guidelines.